Enrich the lives of others and bring our natural world to life for eager learners of all ages. Volunteers help engage students and visitors during school field trips, special events, and environmental programs. Volunteers are needed to help at weekday and evening/weekend programs both outdoors at Conservation Areas and indoors at the Education Centers. Programs are held for all ages and a wide range of seasonal subjects including natural history, wildlife, hiking, environmental issues, historical crafts, outdoor recreation, and sustainability.
QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum age 14; A registered District volunteer; physically capable of carrying out the duties of the position they choose; responsible, reliable and available at the times required by the position.
EXPERIENCE: In most cases, no prior experience is necessary and training is provided.
Special opportunities are available for experienced teachers.
TIME COMMITMENT & SCHEDULE: Opportunities exist weekdays, evenings, and weekends year-round. Attendance at Quarterly Gatherings provides Education volunteers with an occasion to socialize, sign up to volunteer for upcoming programs, and receive special training or enjoy a feature presentation.
LOCATION: Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake; Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Ringwood; Living Land Farm,Cary; and Conservation Sites throughout McHenry County.
For additional information about Education Volunteer opportunities, contact Deb Chapman,
Education Services Manager at (815) 479-5779 or Dchapman@MCCDistrict.org
Education Volunteer Positions
Volunteers have the flexibility to choose positions based on their interests, experience and schedule.
- Public Program and Special Event Assistants
Volunteers assist staff with a wide range of indoor or outdoor educational programs held for youth and adult audiences on weekdays and weekends. - Program Materials Preparation Specialists
Do you enjoy crafts? Work from home or at Prairieview Education Center cutting, gluing, sewing, or otherwise helping to prepare the “stuff” used in education programs. - Prairieview Education Center Receptionist
Help staff the Prairieview Education Center front desk and perform basic office work. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. - School Outreach Program Assistant or Leader
Assist staff in delivering educational programs in classrooms throughout McHenry County. - School Field Trip Assistant or Leader
Help present programs to school children at District sites. - Lost Valley Ventures Leader
Lead a Saturday afternoon drop-in children’s program at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park. - Geocache Rallies
Minimum age 18 and must own a GPS unit. Assist in the placement of caches and coordination of Geocache Rallies.
